Empire Electric is Trying to Pull a Fast One!

The Administrative Law Judge in the Empire rate case has issued his report to the Corporation Commission. In it, he recommends that the Commission allow Empire to increase customer rates by $2.6 million per year, possibly more! That's at least a 20 percent increase to residential customers like you!

The ALJ also recommended a plan that Empire proposed to phase-in these new rates. A small increase the first year, a little larger the second and the full $2.6 million by year three. But Empire doesn't absorb these costs; they just push them onto your bills in the future! This means by year four, Empire will charge you all the money they didn't get in the first two years, plus interest. You will be paying $5.6 million in rate increases and charges! Talk about rate shock!

Don't let Empire get away with this; make your voice heard! Send this letter to the Commissioners NOW and tell them you can't afford a 20% hike in your rates! Tell them to vote NO on Empire's rate increase. In the large box below, you can tell the Commission in your own words what kind of tough choices you'd have to make if Empire was granted this outrageous increase.

Recipients

Bob Anthony

Todd Hiett

Dana Murphy

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Dear [Decision Maker],

As a customer of Empire District electric utility, I write to ask that you REJECT the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation to raise my rates by $2.6 million. That's going to mean a 20 percent increase in my monthly bill! I also request that you reject Empire's request to DOUBLE my fixed monthly customer charge.

I also urge you REJECT the phase-in plan recommended by the ALJ that will increase my rates and charges in year four to $5.6 million! How can anyone afford that?

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As a residential customer of Empire, I am asking that you vote NO on their request to raise my rates by 20% and double my fixed monthly charge. Vote NO on the phase-in plan. I simply cannot afford that kind of drastic increase in my monthly bills. Thank you.